John Walter Osborne (1828-1902) was a professional photographer, lithographer, and inventor, who developed the world's first commercially viable photolithographic process. He was born in Ireland and emigrated to Australia in 1852. In 1859, while employed by the Surveyor General of Victoria in Melbourne, he developed and patented a photolithographic transfer method suitable for copying maps. In 1864 Osborne emigrated to the United States. He set up the American Photo-Lithographic Company in Brooklyn, New York, and was contracted to print the official U.S. patent drawings between 1871 and 1874. His work also appeared in trade journals and advertising. Later he lived in Washington DC, where he served as a printing consultant and patent expert.
The collection consists of eight (8) lithographs of scenes in China printed on thick white paper. Each print bears a stamp "American Photo-Lithographic Co. Osborne's Process. New York" and the date.
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or National Anthropological Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.
NAA MS 7413
USNM Accession Number 23775
USNM Catalog Number 151643
The collection was donated to the Smithsonian Institution by J. W. Osborne in 1890. The accesion record states that the collection contained 17 lithographs and 2 photographs. Eight lithographs and one photograph were transferred from the object collections of the Department of Anthropology to the National Anthropological Archives by Chang-su Houchins in July 1986. The location of the remaining photograph and nine lithographs is unknown.
The National Museum of American History holds a large collection of photomechanical prints created and collected by J. W. Osborne and donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1888 (Accession 23155).
The National Anthropological Archives holds a photograph (Group Wearing Blankets and Fur Robes, Some with Baskets) donated with the lithographs in Photo Lot 97.
MS 7413 John Walter Osborne lithographs of scenes in China, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution
Some description based on research by Emily Hoover, summer volunteer, Department of Anthropology. Titles supplied by the archivist are in square brackets [].
Landing Place and Entrance to the Temple of Honan, Canton
NAA INV 10000068
Drawn by T. Allom from a sketch on the spot by Warner Varnham, Esq., and engraved by C.T. Dixon. Pictured is a temple on the water with fishing boats, fishermen, merchants, and other townspeople. Labelled No. 57
[Interior of Chinese lantern shop]
NAA INV 10000069
Untitled, by unknown artists. Shows the iside of a Chinese lantern shop with two men standing the the center, one a buyer and the other a seller. Other men are working on lanterns. Labelled No. 62.
Scene from the Spectacle of "The Sun and the Moon"
NAA INV 10000070
Drawn by T. Allom, engraved by R. Staines. Scene from a Chinese opera. Three players are engaged in a battle--the "Moon" stands on the right, pointing his spear at the "Sun," who is raising two globe-shaped objects on poles above his head. A third actor is about to throw an object at the Moon. Seated around the edge of the stage are musicians, one playing the pipa (or balloon guitar) and another playing the ta-lo (gong). Labelled No. 65.
Arrival of Marriage presents at the bridal residence
NAA INV 10000071
Drawn by T. Allom, engraved by W. Floyd. Depicts an ornamental Chinese boat drawn up to the entrance of the bride's home. Presents from the groom are being handed to servants of the bride's family. Labelled No. 69.
Chinese Cat Merchants
NAA INV 10000072
Drawn by T. Allom. Two cat merchants showing their cats to a prospective buyer. Shows cat cages. Labelled No. 70.
[Warrior]
NAA INV 10000073
Untitled by unknown artist. Chinese warrior with helmet, three-quarter length overcoast over a skirt and trousers. Carries a bow, arrows, and sword. Labelled No. 73
The Archer
NAA INV 10000074
By unknown artist. Chinese archer holding a bow and sword and sheath of arrow slung over his shoulder. Dress is typical Manchu warrior's dress, with feathered hat, short jacket, and embroidered skirt.
The Stocking Maker
NAA INV 10000075
By unknown artist. A woman sitting at a table sewing stockings, probably for a man to be worn under boots.